Albert “AJ” Allen 5’11 155 2024 Team Vito Unlimited
I watched “AJ” in several tournaments this summer and was really impressed with his consistency of effort and his productivity. He averaged over 15 points per game and his energy and relentless motor impacted games on both ends of the floor. An extremely athletic, quick, and strong slasher type he has a knack for getting to the rim combining a powerful first step and blow-by quickness with a strong frame allowing him to fight through contact and score. He could muscle his shot off against contact and also hang in the air and finish with creativity showing nice touch off the glass. AJ is a ferocious downhill scorer who uses quick crossovers and timely hesitations and has the ability to explode and get into seams in the blink of an eye. He does a great job protecting the basketball, exceptional body control to finish around contact. So dangerous on the move as a scorer not only with his fearless assault on the rim and the regularity with which he can finish there but he’s so comfortable and efficient shooting off dribble pull-ups.
AJ attacks hard and can stop on a dime and hit the quick pull going left or right and shows great balance. He’s near-automatic when he brakes and elevates into the pull-up jumper and his mechanics are pure and smooth. He has made a nice transition to the perimeter. Because of his strength and powerful leaping ability, AJ has been tasked with being a post player in the past but under Coach Vito he has had the opportunity to play his natural position at either guard and he hasn’t been disappointed. He can hit the jumper and has three-point range, moves off the ball showing good instincts and he’s hard to guard because he stays in motion, knows how to get open, and hits the jumper in the mid-range at a good rate. On the defensive end, AJ offers versatility. His combination of strength and quickness are obvious benefits but his long wingspan and his tenacity come together to present a guy capable of guarding inside and out.
Timing, positioning, and strength make him a rebounding threat and he’s so active around the rim. His quick feet and strong upper body allow him to defend the dribble very well and he shows good instincts off the ball defensively. AJ is an extremely intelligent player on and off the court and Coach Vito is so impressed with his work ethic and desire and willingness to put in the work to be great. He’s a prospect to keep your eyes on and I expect we will see big things from AJ Allen III!